Questions about OCC-

· Can you tell me more about OCC?

Orange Coast College, located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California’s beautiful beaches, was founded in 1948 with an opening day enrollment of just 500 students. It has grown into one of the nation’s largest and finest community colleges, enrolling more than 28,000 students each semester on a beautiful 164-acre campus. Featuring exceptional facilities and the latest in computer and high-tech equipment, OCC offers more than 130 academic and career programs. The college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

· What are your office hours?

The International Center is located on the 2nd floor of Watson Hall. We are open to assist you in person:

Monday -Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

Phone hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

· Do you have an ESL Program?

OCC offers ESL classes that are designed to be taken with other academic classes. However, we do not offer Intensive English Program.  International students who apply to Orange Coast College must submit a TOEFL score that meets the English proficiency requirement.

· What is the estimated annual student budget?

Tuition $ 6,318
Books, supplies $ 1,600
Room & board $ 10,800
Health & accident insurance $ 1,074
TOTAL $ 19,792

2· Can I purchase an International Student Identification Card/International Youth Travel Card/International?

Yes, you may purchase International Identification Cards at our office. The cost is $22 per card. You may fill out the application at the International Center. Please allow for approximately 2-3 business days for processing. Proof of enrollment in school is required.

Admission Questions-

· Where should I mail my documents?

Please send all application documents to us at:

Orange Coast College
Attention: International Center
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
U.S.A.

· What are your English requirements?

To satisfy the English requirement for admission, we ask that all International Students submit one of the following to demonstrate sufficient English requirements:

- TOEFL (Minimum score: 500 on the paper-based version, or 173 on the computerized version, or 61 on the internet-based version)
- STEP Eiken (Pre-First Level)
- Completion of level 5 on the iTEP exam
- A minimum score of 5.5 on the IELTS exam
- Sufficient score on the OCC English Assessment Test. The test is offered on campus and is only available to those international students who are in the U.S. and plan to transfer to OCC.
- An appropriate level from a language school with which OCC has an agreement

Yes, the new student orientation is mandatory for all incoming international students. During orientation, you will learn valuable information about immigration, maintaining valid status, and the requirements for studying at OCC. You may sign up for the new student orientation at the front desk of the International Center.

· What does “available funds” mean when I’m submitting my bank statement?

“Available funds” means that your money is accessible at any time, where you are able to withdraw money at any given time, without penalty. Examples of “accessible funds” are: checking or savings accounts. Please note that your bank statement should be current (not older than 5 months).

When submitting transcripts, please note that we require official transcripts. We require transcripts from high school (showing graduation date), and transcripts from any colleges/universities/languages schools you may have attended. Please note that all transcripts which are not in English should be certified translations. All submitted documents become the property of OCC upon submission, so please make sure you have a copy for yourself if you feel you will need one in the future.

· Do I need to submit a physical exam to OCC?

No, OCC does not require that you submit a physical examination for your admission. Only in special circumstances will any sort of physical examination be requested.

General Questions for Current Students-

· How do I purchase a parking permit?

From your MyOCC webpage, on the “home” tab, please click on “Purchase an OCC parking decal”. This link will take you to the Parking and Public Safety’s website, where you will fill out all requested information, and a parking permit will be mailed to you.

· What housing options are available to me?

Orange Coast College has a few options in regards to housing. There are local apartments available if you would like to rent one on your own. You can view this list on our housing information website here. We also have a housing board available where students and local citizens can post rooms for rent. You can view the housing board online here. Lastly, Orange Coast College has a homestay program for interested international students. This program gives students with the opportunity to learn about each other's customs and lifestyles, and benefit from the contact in many different ways. Rent is negotiated between the student and the family. Once you are accepted and arrive at OCC we will be able to assist you with the homestay program.

· I have moved - what do I need to do?

If you have moved, and changed your address, please notify us within 10 days of your moving. It is very important that you inform us of any address changes, because we need to report your updated address to SEVIS. Please come by the International Center and fill out an address update form.

· I need to travel out of the country - what do I need?

If you are traveling out of the country, you must ensure that the following criteria are met:

1. Your passport is valid. Please renew your passport 6 months prior to its expiration.
2. Your visa is valid. Please note that if your stay outside of the U.S. for longer than 5 months, you will need to apply for a new visa.
3. Your I-20 is up-to-date and valid. You will need a current travel signature. Please note that travel signatures are valid for 1 year, however, we recommend obtaining an updated travel signature every 6 months. Please ensure that all of the information on your I-20 is current, and your stay does not exceed the I-20’s expiration date.
4. You are current on your student health insurance.
5. You are currently enrolled on a full-time basis.

· How many units am I required to take?

All international students are required to be enrolled on a full-time basis. Full-time means at least 12 units during the Fall and Spring semesters, or if Summer is your first semester, 6 units during Summer. Enrollment for the Summer semester is not required if you began your studies in the Fall or Spring semesters.

· How do I contact a U.S. Embassy/Consulate?

For the websites of U.S. Embassies, consulates, and Diplomatic Missions, please visit the US Department of State website here.

· Can you help me with my MyOCC page?

If you have forgotten your password, you can login by correctly answering your security questions (you provided the answers to these questions the first time you logged in). If this fails to work, please call Technical Support right away at (714) 432-5072. Do not keep trying to log in and guess your password. If you try to type in the incorrect password more than three times unsuccessfully, your account may be disabled. If you type in your password incorrectly 4 times in a row, your account will be locked for security reasons. It will automatically un-lock after 60 minutes, and you can try again. If you have forgotten your password, please refer to the directions above.

· Do I need to purchase the student health insurance OCC offers me?

Yes, the student health insurance that is provided through the International Center is mandatory for all International Students. Even if you have insurance in your home country, it is required for international students to carry the insurance offered at the OCC International Center. If you are a government or embassy sponsored, please visit the International Center for further information about insurance.

· I want to change my major - what should I do?

If you need to change your major, you first need to meet with an academic counselor. You may make an appointment to meet with a counselor on the 3rd floor of Watson Hall. During your appointment, you will generate a new academic plan with your counselor. Please bring your new academic plan to the International Center. We will make a copy of your new plan, and begin the process of updating your SEVIS record and I-20. Please allow us between 2-3 business days to issue you a new I-20 with your updated major.

· I was accepted to another school, and want to transfer from OCC. What do I need to do?

If you have been accepted to another institution and wish to transfer, please bring us your acceptance letter from the institution. You will possibly have a transfer authorization form from your new institution, which should be filled out, and submitted to OCC. You will also need to fill out a statement of understanding at the International Center. We will process your request within 3 business days.

· Can I work on-campus?

If you are interested in working on-campus, please call or stop by the International Center to make an appointment with either the Immigration Technician or the Director to discuss the possibility of on-campus work authorization.

· Can I get permission for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

If you are interested in OPT, please call or stop by the International Center to make an appointment with the Immigration Technician to discuss the possibility of pursuing OPT once you have completed your program.

· I need to request transcripts from OCC - what do I need to do?

You may request an official OCC transcript via your MyOCC webpage. On the “home” tab, please click on “Order an official OCC transcript”. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions and Records department at (714) 432-5772.

· I want to drop a class, because I am struggling. What should I do?

Most importantly, do NOT drop your class without consulting with someone at the International Center, especially if your enrollment falls below full-time! OCC has resources for students who are struggling in their classes! You may want to visit the Tutorial Center. The Tutorial Center’s website, including hours is available online here. Your instructor is a valuable resource; he/she may be able to assist you with extra reading, or suggested study tips or resources. If you have tried both of these methods, and still want to drop a class, please come by the International Center to speak with someone about your desire to drop a class. Please note that you are required to be enrolled in and complete at least 12 units.  Please come by the International Center to meet with our Immigration Technician BEFORE you drop below full-time.  Dropping a class and being enrolled in less than 12 units will have negative immigration-related concequences.